Devices and methods for detecting axial forces applied to a container

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods for detecting axial forces applied to a container are provided. The devices can include a device housing, a container section, a force measurement sensor, and a processing section. The device housing can extend between a first housing end and a second housing end along a longitudinal axis. The container section can be mounted to the housing proximate the first housing end. The container section can have an open first section end and a closed second section end spaced apart along the longitudinal axis and at least one sidewall extending therebetween. The container section can define a cavity bounded by the first section end, the second section end and the at least one sidewall. The force measurement sensor can be positioned to generate the force measurement data in response to an axial force applied at the first section end.

FIELD

The embodiments described herein generally relate to detecting forces,and in particular to detecting axial forces applied to a container.

BACKGROUND

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is partof the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a personskilled in the art.

Containers can be used to house a product during distribution, storage,sale, and/or use. A container can provide physical protection for theproduct stored therein. For example, the container may protect theproduct from damage that may be caused by mechanical shock, compression,vibration, or other forms of energy transfer. The container may also actas a barrier to heat, oxygen, humidity, dust, bacteria, and/or otherundesirables. The container can reduce the risk of degradation orcontamination and enhance the shelf life and safety of the product.

At various stages of production, transportation and distribution, thecontainer may be subject to potentially damaging forces. For example, aproduction line may include equipment or machinery for filling, sealing,labeling, and/or transporting the container. Each stage in theproduction line may involve some physical contact (direct or indirect)between the equipment and the container that could potentially result indamage. Similarly, during shipping, the container may experience variousphysical forces, as the container is physically transported to adestination.

Modern production and transportation processes may be highly optimizedto reduce the risk of damage to a container to low levels. However, whendamage is detected, it can be difficult to identify the source of thedamage along the production and transportation process. Continuing toproduce damaged containers can be costly, as the damaged containers maybe difficult or impossible to sell. In some cases, damaged containersmay also pose a danger to other products or to people or animals, forinstance if the product contents are potentially hazardous.

SUMMARY

This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detaileddescription that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or asyet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in anycombination or sub-combination of the elements or process stepsdisclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

The various embodiments described herein generally relate to devices andmethods for detecting axial forces applied to a container. The axialforces may be sensed while the container is undergoing a production,distribution, and/or transportation process.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided adevice for detecting axial forces applied to a container. The device caninclude a device housing, a container section, a force measurementsensor, and a processing section. The device housing can extend betweena first housing end and a second housing end along a longitudinal axis.The device housing can have an inner housing wall and an outer housingwall. The container section can be mounted to the housing proximate thefirst housing end. The container section can have an open first sectionend, a closed second section end, and at least one sidewall extendingbetween the first section end and the second section end. The containersection can define a cavity bounded by the first section end, the secondsection end and the at least one sidewall. The first end can be spacedapart from the second end along the longitudinal axis. The forcemeasurement sensor can be positioned within the device housing. Theforce measurement sensor can be configured to generate force measurementdata. The processing section can be positioned within the housing. Theprocessing section can include a processor and a battery. The processorcan be configured to receive the force measurement data from the sensor.The battery can be configured to supply electrical power the processor.The force measurement sensor can be positioned to generate the forcemeasurement data in response to an axial force applied at the firstsection end.

In any embodiment, the force measurement sensor can be positionedproximate the second section end.

In any embodiment, the container section can be movable towards thesecond housing end along the longitudinal axis in response to forceapplied at the first section end. The force measurement sensor can bepositioned to deflect in response to motion of the second closed endtowards the second housing end and to generate the force measurementdata in response to the deflection.

In any embodiment, the device can further include a mounting unitfixedly secured to the housing between the inner housing wall and thecontainer section. The mounting unit can be configured to receive thecontainer section and to constrain the longitudinal motion of thecontainer section.

In any embodiment, the mounting unit can include a bearing sleeve.

In any embodiment, the mounting unit can include a sealing memberconfigured to engage the container section and to seal the containersection to the mounting unit.

In any embodiment, the sealing member can be configured to impedeingress of fluid into the housing.

In any embodiment, the mounting unit, container section and housing canbe concentric.

In any embodiment, the force measurement sensor can be positionedbetween the container section and the processing section.

In any embodiment, the force measurement sensor can be spaced apart fromthe processing section.

In any embodiment, the device can further include a support memberextending between the force measurement sensor and the processingsection. The support member can support the force measurement sensoradjacent to the second section end.

In any embodiment, the processor can be provided by a printed circuitboard, and the battery can be positioned between the printed circuitboard and the force measurement sensor.

In any embodiment, the device housing can include at least one apertureat the second housing end. The at least one aperture can define achannel from the second housing end to the printed circuit board.

In any embodiment, the force measurement sensor can include a load cell.

In any embodiment, the load cell can include a button extending from theload cell toward the second section end. The button can be positioned todeflect in response to movement of the second section end towards thesecond housing end.

In any embodiment, the first section end can be configured to receive aclosure member configured to seal the cavity.

In any embodiment, the first section end can include a rigid material.

In any embodiment, the processing section can further include acommunication interface configured to transmit the force measurementdata to an analysis system.

In any embodiment, the processing section can further include a datastorage unit configured to store the force measurement data.

In any embodiment, the data storage unit can be configured to storecalibration data specific to the device. The processor can be configuredto calibrate the force measurement data generated by the forcemeasurement sensor using the calibration data.

In any embodiment, the device can further include an accelerometer,positioned within the housing, configured to detect acceleration of thedevice and generate acceleration measurement data in response.

In any embodiment, the housing can have an inner housing diameter of atmost 50 mm.

In any embodiment, the container section, processing section, and theforce measurement sensor can be arranged linearly within the housing.

In any embodiment, the second housing end can include an extendablesection configured to extend and retract along the longitudinal axis toadjust a longitudinal length of the extendable section.

In any embodiment, the extendable section can include a fixed sectionand a rotatable portion rotatably mounted to the fixed section. When therotatable portion is rotated in a first direction, the extendablesection can extend along the longitudinal axis increasing thelongitudinal length of the extendable section. When the rotatableportion is rotated in a second direction, the extendable sectionretracts along the longitudinal axis, decreasing the longitudinal lengthof the extendable section.

In any embodiment, the force measurement sensor can include a straingauge.

In any embodiment, the strain gauge can include a strain elementpositioned to deform in response to motion of the second closed endtowards the second housing end. The strain gauge can be configured togenerate the force measurement data in response to the deformation ofthe strain element.

In any embodiment, the container section can be configured to deform inresponse to the axial force applied to the container section. The straingauge can be configured to generate the force measurement data inresponse to the deformation of the container section.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided amethod for measuring axial sealing forces using the device. The methodcan involve: applying a closure member to the first section end to sealthe cavity; generating force measurement data in response to theapplication of the closure member; and determining an axial force of theapplication of the closure member using the force measurement data.

In any embodiment, the method can further involve replacing thecontainer section having a longitudinal length with another containersection having a different longitudinal length so that the device has adesired overall longitudinal length.

In any embodiment, the second housing end can include an extendablesection configured to extend and retract along the longitudinal axis toadjust a longitudinal length of the extendable section. The method canfurther involve adjusting the longitudinal length of the extendablesection by one of extending and retracting the extendable section sothat the device has a desired overall longitudinal length.

In any embodiment, the method can further involve inserting a productinto the cavity prior to applying the closure member.

In any embodiment, the method can further involve generating additionalforce measurement data in response to the insertion of the product intothe cavity; and determining an additional axial force of the insertionof the product using the additional force measurement data.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided adevice for detecting axial forces applied to a container. The device caninclude a device housing, a container section and a force measurementsensor. The device housing can extend between a first housing end and asecond housing end along a longitudinal axis. The device housing canhave at least one sidewall extending between the first housing end andthe second housing end. The container section can be mounted to thehousing proximate the first housing end. The container section can havean open first section end, a closed second section end, and at least onesidewall extending between the first section end and the second sectionend. The container section can define a cavity bounded by the firstsection end, the second section end. The force measurement sensor can bepositioned within the device housing. The force measurement sensor canbe configured to generate force measurement data. The force measurementsensor can be positioned to generate the force measurement data inresponse to an axial force applied at the first section end.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided adevice for detecting axial forces applied to a container. The device caninclude a device housing, a container section, a force measurementsensor, and a processing section. The device housing can extend betweena first housing end and a second housing end along a longitudinal axis.The device housing can have an inner housing wall and an outer housingwall. The container section can be mounted to the housing proximate thefirst housing end and extend into the device housing. The containersection can have an open first section end, a closed second section end,and at least one sidewall extending between the first section end andthe second section end. The container section can define a cavitybounded by the first section end, the second section end and the atleast one sidewall. The first end can be spaced apart from the secondend along the longitudinal axis. The force measurement sensor can bepositioned within the device housing. The force measurement sensor canbe configured to generate force measurement data. The processing sectioncan be positioned within the housing. The processing section can includea processor and a battery. The processor can be configured to receivethe force measurement data from the sensor. The battery can beconfigured to supply electrical power the processor. The forcemeasurement sensor can be positioned to generate the force measurementdata in response to an axial force applied at the first section end.

It will be appreciated that the aspects and embodiments may be used inany combination or sub-combination. Further aspects and advantages ofthe embodiments described herein will appear from the followingdescription taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein and toshow more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference willnow be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings whichshow at least one exemplary embodiment, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example container monitoring system inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example axial force measurement devicein accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example axial force measurementdevice in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the axial force measurement deviceshown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a transparent side view of the axial force measurement deviceshown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is an exploded view of the axial force measurement device shownin FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a top view of an example circuit board that may be used withthe axial force measurement devices of FIGS. 2 and 3A in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the circuit board shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a side view of another example axial force measurement devicein accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the axial force measurement deviceshown in FIG. 5A taken along line A-A in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a transparent side view of the axial force measurement deviceshown in FIG. 5A; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method for measuring axial forces inaccordance with an embodiment.

The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings,described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings arenot intended to limit the scope of the applicants' teachings in any way.Also, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements maybe exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, whereconsidered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among thefigures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinaryskill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not toobscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this descriptionis not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein in any way, but rather as merely describing theimplementation of the various embodiments described herein.

It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about”and “approximately” when used herein mean a reasonable amount ofdeviation of the modified term such that the end result is notsignificantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed asincluding a deviation of the modified term if this deviation would notnegate the meaning of the term it modifies.

In addition, as used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended torepresent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean Xor Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” isintended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. Alisting of items does not imply that any or all of the items aremutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,”“an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more elements are said to be“coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts arejoined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., throughone or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As usedherein and in the claims, two or more elements are said to be “directlycoupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directlyfastened” where the element are connected in physical contact with eachother. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and“fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more elements arejoined together.

The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “theembodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “someembodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all)embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may beimplemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both. Theseembodiments may be implemented in computer programs executing onprogrammable computers, each computer including at least one processor,a data storage system (including volatile memory or non-volatile memoryor other data storage elements or a combination thereof), and at leastone communication interface. For example and without limitation, theprogrammable computers may be a server, network appliance, embeddeddevice, computer expansion module, a personal computer, laptop, personaldata assistant, cellular telephone, smart-phone device, tablet computer,a wireless device or any other computing device capable of beingconfigured to carry out the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the communication interface may be a networkcommunication interface. In embodiments in which elements are combined,the communication interface may be a software communication interface,such as those for inter-process communication (IPC). In still otherembodiments, there may be a combination of communication interfacesimplemented as hardware, software, and combination thereof.

Program code may be applied to input data to perform the functionsdescribed herein and to generate output information. The outputinformation is applied to one or more output devices, in known fashion.

Each program may be implemented in a high-level procedural or objectoriented programming and/or scripting language, or both, to communicatewith a computer system. However, the programs may be implemented inassembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language maybe a compiled or interpreted language. Each such computer program may bestored on a storage media or a device (e.g. ROM, magnetic disk, opticaldisc) readable by a general or special purpose programmable computer,for configuring and operating the computer when the storage media ordevice is read by the computer to perform the procedures describedherein. Embodiments of the system may also be considered to beimplemented as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium,configured with a computer program, where the storage medium soconfigured causes a computer to operate in a specific and predefinedmanner to perform the functions described herein.

Furthermore, the system, processes and methods of the describedembodiments are capable of being distributed in a computer programproduct comprising a computer readable medium that bears computer usableinstructions for one or more processors. The medium may be provided invarious forms, including one or more diskettes, compact disks, tapes,chips, wireline transmissions, satellite transmissions, internettransmission or downloadings, magnetic and electronic storage media,digital and analog signals, and the like. The computer useableinstructions may also be in various forms, including compiled andnon-compiled code.

During a production and transportation process, a container may besubject to a number of forces that can potentially damage the container.Depending on the severity of the damage, it may not be possible to sellthe container, for example, due to regulatory and/or customerrequirements. Identifying the source(s) of damage and assessing theseverity of damage in the production and transportation process can becrucial in minimizing or preventing damage to container in the future.This can help maximize production yields and minimize lost costs.

It is often difficult to precisely identify the source of damage to acontainer along the chain of a production and transportation process.The production process for a container can be extremely complex and mayinclude multiple production steps involving various pieces of equipmentor machinery. Inspecting each manufacturing step and each correspondingpiece of equipment in the production process can be time consuming andmay result in costly downtime in the production process. Thetransportation process for a container may be equally complex, forexample, involving multiple different couriers and modes of transportover large geographical areas and extended periods of time.

Identifying and assessing specific types of forces applied to acontainer during a production and transportation process may aid in theidentification and assessment of potential source(s) of damage. Themeasurement of axial forces applied to a container is often ofparticular interest. Axial forces can be defined as forces actinggenerally or primarily along the longitudinal axis of a container. Thedetection of axial forces may be helpful in identifying problemsassociated with various aspects of a production and transportationprocess, such as filling, sealing, or capping containers for example.However, it may be difficult to detect axial forces applied to acontainer, particularly when the container has a small form factor. Forexample, it may be difficult to measure axial forces applied topharmaceutical containers, such as syringes, cartridges, vials, pens,ampules, and the like due to their small size. In particular, small formfactor containers may have limited internal volumes for housing sensorsand other electronics.

Embodiments described herein provide devices and methods for detectingaxial forces applied to a container. The devices described herein may beimplemented with actual containers and/or replica containers (alsoreferred to as drones). The devices can be configured to detect and/ormonitor axial forces applied to the containers. This may allow aproduction and/or transportation process to be evaluated with minimaldisruption to the normal operating process.

In embodiments where the force sensing devices are configured as replicacontainers, the replica containers can be configured to mimic variousproperties of an actual container, including, but not limited to, thegeneral shape and form of the container. For example, the device mayemulate the form factor of containers that are relatively small in size,such as pharmaceutical containers. The device may be substituted for anactual container and undergo one or more stages of a production and/ortransportation process intended for the actual container. The device canmeasure various axial forces during the production and/or transportationprocess.

In embodiments described herein, the device can include a containersection and a device housing section. In some examples, the containersection can be configured to provide an internal volume and/or cavitywithin which a product may be received. Alternately, the containersection can be configured to mimic an actual container and may omit theinternal volume. The device can be configured to measure various axialforces that may be received by the container section.

The device housing can house various electronics that may be usable tomeasure the axial forces applied to the container section. For example,the device housing may house one or more sensors configured to generateforce measurement data in response to axial forces applied to thecontainer section. Optionally, the device housing may partially orwholly house the container section. Alternately, the container sectionmay be coupled to an end of the device housing.

In embodiments described herein, the device may use a relatively smallnumber of sensors to mimic containers with a small form factor, such aspharmaceutical containers. In embodiments described herein, the axialforce measurement device can be configured to accurately measure axialforces even with a limited number of sensors. In some examples, an axialforce measurement device may include only a single sensor. For instance,the axial force measurement device may include a single load cell or asingle strain gauge.

The embodiments described herein can be used to identify problems in aproduction and transportation process, such as faulty or unreliableequipment that can cause damage to articles. The impact sensing systemsdescribed herein may be used to optimize production and transportationprocesses for a product, by minimizing the damage to the product and/orpackage. This can help maximize production yield.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a containermonitoring system 100. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the containermonitoring system 100 can include an axial force measurement device 102,an analysis system 106, and a network 104.

The axial force measurement device 102 can be a container for whichaxial forces are desired to be measured. The container can be configuredto store a product for storage, transportation, sale etc. The containercan be configured to store various different types of products, such asliquid (e.g. medicines, beverages, other types of liquids etc.), orsolid (e.g. powders, tablets, cartridges, other types of solids etc.)products for example. The axial force measurement device 102 can beconfigured to detect and measure axial forces applied to the container(or replica). For example, the axial force measurement device 102 can beconfigured to detect and measure axial forces applied to a containerexpected to undergo a production and/or transportation process.

Alternately, the axial force measurement device 102 may be a replica ofthe container for which axial forces are desired to be measured. Theaxial force measurement device 102 can mimic various properties of anactual container. For example, the axial force measurement device 102can have the same or similar shape, size, and/or weight as the actualcontainer. The axial force measurement device 102 may have the same orsimilar mechanical properties as the actual container, such as, but notlimited to, strength, ductility, hardness, impact resistance, orfracture toughness.

In some examples, the device 102 may include a container or replica of acontainer having a relatively small form factor. For example, the axialforce measurement device 102 may be a replica of a pharmaceuticalcontainer, such as, but not limited to, a bottle, a vial, a syringe, acartridge, a vial, a pen, or an ampule. Several different examples ofaxial force measurement devices 102 having different form factors willbe described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6.

The axial force measurement device 102 can be configured to detect axialforces applied to the device 102. The axial force measurement device 102can include one or more sensors. The one or more sensors can produceforce measurement data in response to axial forces applied to the device102.

The axial force measurement device 102 can communicate with an analysissystem 106 via the network 104. The network 104 may be any networkcapable of carrying data, including the Internet, Ethernet, plain oldtelephone service (POTS) line, public switch telephone network (PSTN),integrated services digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line(DSL), coaxial cable, fiber optics, satellite, mobile, wireless (e.g.Wi-Fi, WiMAX), SS7 signaling network, fixed line, local area network,wide area network, and others, including any combination of these,capable of interfacing with, and enabling communication between, theaxial force measurement device 102 and analysis system 106.

The axial force measurement device 102 can send and receive various datato and from the analysis system 106 via the network 104. For example theaxial force measurement device 102 may transmit data related to axialforces applied to the device 102 to the analysis system 106.

The analysis system 106 may communicate with a plurality of axial forcemeasurement devices 102. The analysis system 106 may receive forcemeasurement data associated with and from each device 102. Although onlyone axial force measurement device 102 is shown in FIG. 1 for ease ofillustration, the container monitoring system 100 can include any numberof axial force measurement devices 102, each operable to sense axialforces applied to that device 102 and communicate with the analysissystem 106.

The axial force measurement device 102 can provide force measurementdata to analysis system 106. This may allow the analysis system 106 tofurther evaluate the nature of the axial forces applied to the device102. For example, the axial force measurement device 102 may transmitforce measurement data using a wired or wireless communicationinterface. Alternately or in addition, the force measurement data may bestored in a data storage on axial force measurement device 102. Theforce measurement data may then be retrieved from the axial forcemeasurement device 102 and provided to analysis system 106. The analysissystem 106 may then process or evaluate the force measurement data todetermine various characteristics of the axial forces.

The analysis system 106 can perform various processing on the datareceived from the axial force measurement devices 102. In some examples,the analysis system 106 may calibrate the force measurement data basedon one or more calibration parameters associated with a particular axialforce measurement device 102. In some cases, the analysis system 106 maystore the calibration parameters associated with each axial forcemeasurement device 102. For example, the calibration parameters for aparticular axial force measurement device 102 may be determined based onan initial calibration assessment of the device 102. The results of theinitial calibration assessment may then be used to determine thecalibration parameters that can be stored in analysis system 106.Alternately or in addition, the calibration parameters may be stored inmemory on the device 102 itself.

In some examples, the analysis system 106 may correlate forcemeasurement data with steps or locations along a production and/ortransportation process. For instance, the force measurement data may beassociated with device location data. The device location data maydefine a location of the article directly, e.g. using position trackingtechniques such as GPS or more local position tracking techniques usingRFID signals, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. Alternately or in addition, thedevice location data may include data usable to infer the devicelocation, such as the date and/or time at which the force measurementdata was generated. The analysis system 106 can then correlate thedevice location data and force measurement data to identify portions ofthe production and/or transport process involving axial forces. In somecases, the analysis system 106 may generate aggregate reports and/orvisualizations based on data associated with a plurality of differentaxial force measurement devices 102.

The analysis system 106 may include a processor, a data storage, and acommunication interface. The analysis system 106 can includecomputer-executable instructions stored in the data storage that can beexecuted by the processor to configure the processor to perform variousanalysis processes. The analysis system 106 may be provided usingvarious computing such as, for example, an electronic tablet device, apersonal computer, workstation, server, portable computer, mobiledevice, personal digital assistant, laptop, smart phone, WAP phone, aninteractive television, video display terminals, gaming consoles, andportable electronic devices etc. In some cases, the analysis system 106can be provided by multiple components over a wide geographic area.

Optionally, some or all of the analysis performed by the analysis system106 may be performed locally at the axial force measurement device 102.In some cases, the axial force measurement device 102 may process theforce measurement data and transmit the processed data to the analysissystem 106. For example, device 102 may include a processor and memorystoring computer-executable instructions usable to configure theprocessor to perform various analysis operations.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram of an exampleaxial force measurement device 200. The example axial force measurementdevice 200 may be used in various force measurement systems, such as animplementation of the axial force measurement device 102 of system 100.As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the axial force measurement device200 can include a processor 202, one or more sensors 204, acommunication interface 206, a battery 208, and a data storage unit 210.

The sensor(s) 204 can include one or more axial force measurementsensors usable to detect and/or measure axial forces applied to theaxial force measurement device 200. The axial force measurement sensorscan be configured to generate force measurement data in response toaxial forces applied to the axial force measurement device 200. Forexample, the axial force measurement sensors 204 may include one or moreload cells (such as Honeywell 834M1 series load cells or Futek LLB130load cells) and/or strain gauges.

In some cases, the axial force measurement device 200 can includevarious additional sensor(s) 204. The additional sensors can includedifferent types of sensors (other than axial force measurement sensors)usable to measure other properties of the device 200 and/or environmentin which the device 200 is located and/or forces applied to the device.In some examples, the axial force measurement device 200 can include oneor more sensors configured to detect and/or measure impact, pressure,acceleration, orientation, location etc. For instance, the axial forcemeasurement device 200 can include an accelerometer configured to detectacceleration of the device 200 and in response, generate accelerationmeasurement data. In some embodiments the sensor(s) 204 can includegyroscope for measuring the spin of the axial force measurement device200.

The processor 202 may be any suitable processors, controllers, digitalsignal processors, or application specific circuitry that can providesufficient processing power depending on the configuration, purposes andrequirements of the axial force measurement device 200. In someembodiments, the processor 202 can include more than one processor witheach processor 202 being configured to perform different dedicatedtasks.

The processor 202 can be configured to control the operation of theaxial force measurement device 200. For example, the processor 202 cancontrol operation of the sensor(s) 204. The processor 202 can also beconfigured to control communications between the axial force measurementdevice 200 and external devices, such as the analysis system 106.

In some examples, the processor 202 may be configured to process forcemeasurement data received from the sensor(s) 204. For example, processor202 may be configured to process the data received from the sensors 204to determine an axial force applied to the device 200. Alternately or inaddition, processor 202 may be configured to calibrate the forcemeasurement data (and/or applied axial force) based on one or morecalibration parameters for the device 200. For example, calibrationparameters may be stored in data storage 210. Processor 202 may use thestored calibration parameters to adjust/calibrate the force measurementdata based on the specific parameters of the given device 200.

Alternately, processor 202 may not perform any processing on thereceived force measurement data. For example, processor 202 may storeand/or transmit the force measurement data without any processing and/oradjustments.

In some examples, processor 202 may be configured to store the forcemeasurement data received from the sensor(s) 204 in data storage 210.Processor 202 may store the force measurement data in data storage 210in an unprocessed form. Alternately or in addition, processor 202 may beconfigured to store processed force measurement data (e.g. calibratedforce measurement data) and/or determined axial force data in datastorage 210.

In some examples, processor 202 may be configured to transmit the forcemeasurement data to an external analysis system, such as system 106.Processor 202 may transmit the force measurement data to externaldevices using communication interface 206. Alternately, the processor202 may simply receive the force measurement data and provide the datato the communication interface 206 in an unprocessed form (i.e. withoutperforming any processing on the received force measurement data).Alternately or in addition, processor 202 may be configured to provideprocessed force measurement data (e.g. calibrated force measurementdata) and/or determined axial force data to an external analysis systemusing communication interface 206.

The communication interface 206 may be any interface that enables theaxial force measurement device 200 to communicate with other devices andsystems, such as, but not limited to, an analysis system 106 using anetwork such as the network 104. In some embodiments, the communicationinterface 206 can include at least one of a serial port, a parallel portor a USB port. The communication interface 206 may also include at leastone of an Internet, Local Area Network (LAN), Ethernet, Firewire, modemor digital subscriber line connection. In some embodiments, thecommunication interface 206 may be a wireless communication interface,which can transmit various data to other devices or systems viaBluetooth, WiFi, or other suitable wireless communication standard. Insome cases, the communication interface 206 may be omitted. For example,where the data storage 210 is a removable data storage device, thecommunication interface 206 may not be needed.

In some embodiments, the communication interface 206 may include avisual indicator, such as, but not limited to, a LED or other lightsource. The visual indicator can provide a visual representation of theforce measurement data. For example, a LED may be configured to emitlight when a force detected by the device 200 exceeds a predeterminedmagnitude. The visual indicator may provide a rapid evaluation of theforce measurement data to a user, without requiring external transfer ofthe force measurement data from the device 200. In some cases, thevisual indicator may be configured to emit a plurality of differentlight signals (e.g. different light patterns and/or colors). Each signalmay be defined to correspond to a level of force detected by the device(e.g. green for low levels of force, yellow for medium levels of force,and red for high levels of force).

The data storage 210 may store various data, such as, but not limited toforce measurement data from the sensors 204. In some cases, the datastorage 210 may store calibration data specific to the device 200 thatcan be used to calibrate the force measurement data. The data storage210 may also store processed data determined by the processor, such ascalibrated force measurement data and/or determined axial force data.The data storage 210 can include RAM, ROM, one or more hard drives, oneor more flash drives or some other suitable data storage elements suchas disk drives, etc. In some cases, the data storage 210 may beremovable from the axial force measurement device 200.

The battery 208 can provide electrical power to various components ofthe axial force measurement device 200, such as, the processor 202, thesensor(s) 204, the communication interface 206, and the data storage210. In some cases, the battery 208 may be a rechargeable battery.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-D, there is shown an example axial forcemeasurement device 300. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3A-D, theaxial force measurement device 300 can be a replica of a container inthe form of a pharmaceutical bottle.

As shown in FIG. 3A, axial force measurement device 300 can include adevice housing section 302 and a container section 352. The containersection 352 can be configured to house or contain a product. The devicehousing section 302 can be configured to house force measurementcomponents usable to measure forces applied to the container section352.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, container section 352 can extend between afirst section end 354 and a second section end 356. The first sectionend 354 and the second section end 356 can be spaced apart along thelongitudinal axis 355 of the device 300. As illustrated, the firstsection end 354 can be an open first section end and the second sectionend 356 can be a closed second section end. The container section 352can include one or more sidewalls 358. The sidewall(s) 358 can extendbetween the first section end 354 and the second section end 356.

The container section 352 can include a chamber or cavity 360 that isbounded by the first section end 354, the second section end 356, andthe sidewall(s) 358. The cavity 360 can be configured to receive aproduct to be stored by the container, or by the container that theaxial force measurement device 300 is intended to emulate. In theexample illustrated in FIGS. 3A-D, the cavity 360 is be configured toreceive a pharmaceutical product, such as, but not limited to, a solidor liquid medication.

The first section end 354 can be configured to receive a closure memberfor sealing the cavity 360. The first section end 354 may be configuredto receive various types of closure members such as a cap, a plug, a lidetc. In some cases, the first section end 354 can include closurecooperation features configured to cooperate with the closure member toseal the cavity 360. The closure cooperation features may be configuredto mate with corresponding mating features provided by the closuremember.

For example, the first section end 354 may include a protrusion or lip.The protrusion may be configured to have a portion of the closure membercrimped thereupon during a production process. Alternately, the firstsection end 354 and the closure member may include correspondingengagement members, such as screw threads. The corresponding engagementmembers can be engaged together during a production process.

Alternately, the first section end 354 may be shaped to receive closuremember in a partially inserted position. For example, the closure membermay be configured to be partially inserted into the cavity 360 in afriction fit to seal the first section end 354.

In general, the container section 352 can be subject to various axialforces during various stages of a production and/or transportationprocess. The device housing section 302 can be configured to housevarious electronic components that can measure the axial forces appliedto the container section 352. The device housing section 302 and thecontainer section 352 can have a relatively small size so that the axialforce measurement device 300 can mimic the form factor of a relativelysmall container, such as a pharmaceutical container. For example, thedevice housing section 302 may have an inner housing diameter of at most42.5 mm. In some embodiments, the device housing section 302 may have aninner housing diameter of at most 50 mm.

The device housing section 302 can have a first housing end 304 and asecond housing end 306. As illustrated the device housing section 302can extend between the first housing end 304 and the second housing end306 along the longitudinal axis 355 of the axial force measurementdevice 300. The device housing section 302 can include an inner housingwall 308 and an outer housing wall 310. The inner housing wall 308 andthe outer housing wall 310 can extend between the first housing end 304and the second housing end 306. As in the example illustrated, thedevice housing section 302 can house a force measurement sensor 370 anda processing section 380.

The container section 352 can be mounted to the device housing section302 proximate the first housing end 304. In some examples, containersection 352 may be contained within the device housing section 302. Inthe example illustrated, container section 352 is partially housedwithin the device housing section 302. That is, the container section352 extends into the device housing section 302. Alternately, containersection 352 may be entirely housed within the device housing section302. Alternately, container section 352 may be external to the devicehousing section 302 and connected to the device housing section 302 atthe first housing end 304. Alternately, device housing section 302 maybe contained (partially or entirely) within the container section 352.That is, the device housing section 302 may extend into the containersection 352.

In some examples, container section 352 can be movably mounted so thatthe container section 352 can move relative to the device housingsection 302. For example, container section 352 may be movably mountedto the device housing section 302 via a mounting unit 320. The mountingunit 320 can be secured to the device housing section 302 between theinner housing wall 308 and the container section 352. The mounting unit320 can be configured to receive the container section 352 and couplethe container section 352 to the device housing section 302. Themounting unit 320 can be configured to constrain motion of the containersection 352 relative to the device housing section 302. For example, themounting unit 320 may include a bearing sleeve. The surface of thebearing sleeve can limit movement of the container section 352 along thelongitudinal axis of the device 300.

In some examples, the mounting unit 320, the container section 352, andthe device housing section 302 can be concentric. For example, as shownin the example illustrated in FIGS. 3A-D, the exterior of the containersection 352 can be partially surrounded by the mounting unit 320, whichcan be partially surrounded by the device housing section 302.

The mounting unit 320 can include a sealing member 322. The sealingmember 322 can engage the container section 352. The sealing member 322can seal the container section 352 to the mounting unit 320. The sealingmember 322 may impede the ingress of fluid into the interior of thedevice housing section 302. For example, the sealing member 322 mayinclude a gasket, such as an O-ring. The sealing member 322 may allowfor movement of the container section 352, while sealing and protectingany electrical components within the device housing section 302.

A force measurement sensor 370 and a processing section 380 can behoused within the device housing section 302. The force measurementsensor 370, processing section 380, and the container section 352 can bearranged in various ways. For example, the container section 352, theprocessing section 380, and the sensor 370 may be arranged linearlywithin the housing 302. In some cases, the container section 352, theprocessing section 380, and the sensor 370 may be substantially alignedalong the longitudinal axis of the device 300.

The force measurement sensor 370 can be positioned within the devicehousing section 302 proximate the second section end 356 of thecontainer section 352. The force measurement sensor 370 can bepositioned to generate force measurement data in response to an axialforce applied at the first section end 354 of the container section 352.

In some examples, when an axial force is applied at the first sectionend 354, the container section 352 can be urged to move toward thesecond housing end 306 along the longitudinal axis. The forcemeasurement sensor 370 can be positioned to deflect in response to themotion of the second section end 356 toward the second housing end 306and generate the force measurement data in response to the deflection.In some cases, the force measurement sensor 370 may be provided by aload cell that includes a button 372 extending towards the secondsection end 356. The button 372 can be positioned so that the button 372deflects in response to movement of the second section end 356 towardthe second housing end 306.

In some examples, the container section 352 can be made of a rigidmaterial, such as, but not limited to, a metal or rigid plastic. Therigid material may improve the transfer of axial forces from thecontainer section 352 to the force measurement sensor 370. The rigidmaterial may also improve the durability of the container section 352.This may help the container section 352 withstand deformation inresponse to repeated axial forces.

Alternately, the force measurement sensor and/or container section 352may be configured to deform in response to an axial force is applied atthe first section end 354. For example, a strain gauge may be used todetect the axial force.

The processing section 380 can also be positioned within the devicehousing section 302. The processing section 380 can one or morecomponents configured to receive force measurement data from the forcemeasurement sensor 370. The processing section 380 can one or morecomponents configured to perform processing operations on the receiveddata. The processing section 380 can one or more components configuredto transmit the received data and/or processed data. For example, theprocessing section 380 can include a processor 382 such as processor 202described herein above. Processor 382 can be configured to receive forcemeasurement data from the force measurement sensor 370. The processingsection 380 may also include a battery 384. Battery may be configured tosupply electrical power to various components of the processing section380, such as the processor 382. The various components of the processingsection 380 can be arranged in various ways. For example, in some cases,the battery 384 may be positioned between the processor 382 and theforce measurement sensor 370.

In some examples, one or more components of the processing section 380can be implemented using a printed circuit board. For example, FIGS. 4Aand 4B show an example printed circuit board 400 that may be used toprovide various components of the processing section 380. The printedcircuit board 400 can include a substrate 402. The substrate 402 canmechanically support and electrically connect various electricalcomponents within the processing section 380. In some cases, thecomponents can be provided by one or more integrated circuits 404 whichare mounted to the substrate 402. The printed circuit board 400 mayinclude a charging port 406 coupled to a rechargeable battery within thedevice 300. The charging port 406 can be configured to be coupled to anexternal power source to recharge the rechargeable battery. The printedcircuit board 400 may also include a power activation input usable toactivate/deactivate/reset the device 300. For example, a toggle switch408 may provide the power activation input. Optionally, the printedcircuit board 400 may include a visual output device, such as an LED(not shown).

Referring again to FIGS. 3A-D, the force measurement sensor 370 may bespaced apart from processing section 380. For example, a support member311 may be positioned between the processing section 380 and forcemeasurement sensor 370. The support member 311 can support the sensor370 adjacent the second section end 356 of the container section 352.The support member 311 can reduce or prevent axial forces from beingtransferred from the force measurement sensor 370 to the processingsection 380, to minimize or prevent damage to the processing section380.

As shown in the example illustrated, device housing section 302 caninclude one or more apertures 307 proximate the second housing end 306.The aperture(s) 307 can define one or more channels from the exterior ofthe second housing end 306 into the interior of the device housingsection 302. The aperture(s) 307 can provide a user with access to thevarious components housed within the device housing section 302 that mayotherwise be difficult to access. For example, the aperture(s) 307 mayfacilitate recharging the device 300, and/or accessing force measurementdata stored on the device, for example, by inserting a cable (e.g. a USBconnector cable) to a connector port provided in the device housingsection 302. In another example, the aperture(s) 307 may provide accessto a switch, such as toggle switch 408, to activate and/or deactivatethe device 300. Alternately or in addition, the aperture(s) 307 mayprovide a passage or pathway to allow light from a visual indicator tobe emitted through the housing 302.

Optionally, the second housing end 306 may be removable from the devicehousing section 302. Removal of the second housing end 306 may providegreater access to the various components stored internally within thedevice housing section 302, such as a printed circuit board 400, forcemeasurement sensor 370 etc.

In various embodiments, the second housing end 306 may include anextendable section (not shown) that is configured to adjust the overalllongitudinal length of the axial force measurement device 300. Theextendable section can extend and retract along the longitudinal axis355 of the device 300 to adjust the longitudinal length of the device300. The extendable section may allow the axial force measurement device300 to imitate the form factor of containers having differentlongitudinal lengths or heights.

The extendable section can include a fixed portion and an adjustableportion, such as a rotatable portion. The rotatable portion can berotatably mounted to the fixed portion. For example, the rotatableportion can be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 355 ofdevice 300. By rotating the rotatable portion about the longitudinalaxis 355, the extendable section can be extended and retracted asdesired. In other examples, the adjustable portion may be provided indifferent manners, for instance as a detachable extender portion.

When the rotatable portion is rotated in a first direction (e.g.clockwise in an example), the extendable section can extend along thelongitudinal axis 355, increasing the longitudinal length of theextendable section. Conversely, when the rotatable portion is rotated ina second direction (e.g. counter-clockwise in this example), theextendable section can retract along the longitudinal axis 355,decreasing the longitudinal length of the extendable section. The fixedportion and the rotatable portion can have corresponding screw threadswhich convert rotation of the rotatable portion into a lineartranslation.

Optionally, the extendable section may include a locking member. Lockingmember can be configured to secure the extendable section at aparticular longitudinal length. For example, the locking member may fixor prevent the rotation of the rotatable portion relative to the fixedportion. Fixing the rotation of the rotatable portion can prevent theextension or retraction of the extendable section. For example, thelocking member may be provided by a bolt which fixes the rotatableportion relative to the fixed portion.

In various embodiments, the container section 352 may include an outercontainer section that is configured to emulate the upper portion of acontainer. The outer container section may be configured to becompatible with equipment along various stages of a production and/ortransportation process. For example, the outer container section mayadapt the device 300 for various filling, capping, and/or sealingprocesses. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3A-D, the outer containersection is configured to mimic the top portion of a pharmaceuticalcontainer. In some embodiments, the outer container section may beprovided by a portion of an actual container the axial force measurementdevice 300 is intended to emulate. For example, the outer containersection may be provided by a cut away portion of an actualpharmaceutical vial. The use of a portion of an actual container mayprovide greater compatibility with various production and/ortransportation processes as compared to a replica.

The outer container section can be positioned proximate to the containersection 352. Outer container section can be fixed to the containersection 352. For example, outer container section may be attached to thecontainer section 352 by a friction fit, although other suitableattachment mechanisms may be used. In some embodiments, the outercontainer section may be concentric with the container section 352. Thismay help outer container section transfer axial forces to the containersection 352.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-C, there is shown another example of an axialforce measurement device 500. Similar to the example axial forcemeasurement device 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-D, the axial forcemeasurement device 500 includes a container section 552 and a devicehousing section 502. The axial force measurement device 500 alsoincludes a force measurement sensor 570 and a processing section 580positioned within the device housing section 502.

However, in contrast to device 300, the axial force measurement device500 has a different shape or form factor as compared to the axial forcemeasurement device 300. In particular, the axial force measurementdevice 500 is shaped as a cartridge for an auto-injector device. Axialforce measurement device 500 may be implemented with an actual cartridgefor an auto-injector device and/or a replica of a cartridge.

In the example of device 300, the force measurement sensor 570 isprovided in the form of a strain gauge 570. The strain gauge 570 can beconfigured to generate force measurement data in response to thedeformation of a strain element. The strain element can be positioned todeform in response to axial forces applied to the first end 554 ofcontainer section 552. In some examples, the container section 552itself may incorporate the strain element. For example, the containersection 552 may be configured to deform in response to axial forcesimparted at the first end 554. Alternately, the strain element may beprovided as a separate component configured to deform in response toaxial forces imparted at the first end 554.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 5A-C, the strain element is providedas a separate strain element 574 proximate the second end 556 of thecontainer section 552. The strain element 574 can deform in response toaxial forces applied to the container section 552. In particular, anaxial force applied to the container section 552 can cause the containersection 552 to move toward second housing end 506. The strain element574 can be positioned to deform in response to this motion.

In other embodiments, the strain element can be provided by thecontainer section 552. In particular, the container section 552 candeform in response to axial forces applied to the container section 552and the strain gauge 570 can generate force measurement data in responseto the deformation. The container section 552 can be rigidly mounted tothe device housing section 502 so that the container section 552 isfixed relative to the device housing section 502.

In some cases, the strain element may be a replaceable component. Thestrain element may deteriorate over time as the strain element isrepeatedly deformed. The strain element may be removed and replaced byanother strain element in the event the original strain element hasdegraded.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a flowchart of an example method 600for measuring axial forces. The method 600 may be implemented usingvarious types of axial force measurement devices, such as the exampleaxial force measurement devices 102, 200, 300, and 500 shown anddescribed herein.

Optionally, at 602 the longitudinal length of the axial forcemeasurement device can be adjusted. The longitudinal length of the axialforce measurement device can be adjusted to provide the device with adesired longitudinal length for a force measurement process. Forexample, the longitudinal length may be defined so that the axial forcemeasurement device imitates the form factor of a particular container itis intended to replicate. The longitudinal length may also be adjustedto ensure compatibility between the axial force measurement device andvarious stages of a production and/or transportation process.

In some examples, the longitudinal length of the axial force measurementdevice can be adjusted by replacing the container section of thatdevice. For example, referring to FIGS. 3A-D, the container section 352can be replaced with another container section (not shown) having adifferent longitudinal length. Container section 352 may be removed fromthe first housing end 304 of the device housing 302 and a differentcontainer section can be mounted to device housing 302. The replacementcontainer section can be selected to provide device 300 with a desiredoverall longitudinal length.

Alternately, the longitudinal length of the axial force measurementdevice can be adjusted by adjusting an extendable section of thatdevice. For example, the extendable section may be extended or retractedso that the device 300 has a desired overall longitudinal length.

Alternately, the longitudinal length of the axial force measurementdevice may not be adjusted. For example, the device may have a fixedlongitudinal length in some examples.

Optionally, at 604 a product can be inserted into the axial forcemeasurement device. For example, referring to FIGS. 3A-D, a product canbe inserted into the cavity 360 of the container section 352. The typeof product received by the device can depend on the type of containerthe device is intended to measure forces for. For example, the productmay be a pharmaceutical product, a beverage product, a food product, acosmetic product, etc. In some cases, the product may be a solid.Alternately, the product may be a liquid. The product can be inserted byone or more pieces of equipment in a production process.

Alternately, the axial force measurement device may not have a productinserted therein. This may allow the device to evaluate forces appliedto an actual container without wasting product that might otherwise beuseable or saleable.

At 606, the axial force measurement device can be sealed. The axialforce measurement device can be sealed to enclose the chamber of thecontainer section. The sealing process may be that used to enclose aproduct within the device. For example, referring to FIGS. 3A-D, aclosure member can be applied to the first section end 354 of thecontainer section 352 to seal the cavity 360.

The closure member may be applied by one or more pieces of equipment ona production process. For example, a lid or cap may be inserted into thefirst section end 354 and secured through a friction fit. Alternately, alid closure or end wall may be fixed to the first section end 354through a crimping process for example.

At 608, the axial force measurement device can generate forcemeasurement data. The force measurement sensor can be configured todetect axial forces applied to the device. The sensor may generate forcemeasurement data in response to the axial forces.

For example, the axial force measurement device can generate forcemeasurement data in response to the insertion of the product into theaxial force measurement device. Alternately or in addition, the axialforce measurement device can generate force measurement in response tothe sealing of the axial force measurement device. The insertion of theproduct and/or the sealing of the device can apply various axial forcesto the device, which can be measured as force measurement data. Forexample, during insertion of the product into the axial forcemeasurement device, a portion of a filling machine will typically comeinto contact with the axial force measurement device. The axial forcemeasurement device can measure the force applied by the filing machinecoming into contact with the axial force measurement device.

At 610, an axial force can be determined. The axial force can bedetermined based on the force measurement data. In some cases, the axialforce measurement device can determine the axial force, for example,using a local processor. Alternately or in addition, the forcemeasurement data can be transmitted to an analysis system, which candetermine the axial force. Determining the axial force may, in someembodiments, involve calibrating the force measurement data based on oneor more parameters specific to the axial force measurement device.

Numerous specific details are set forth herein in order to provide athorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein.However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat these embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components havenot been described in detail so as not to obscure the description of theembodiments. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered aslimiting the scope of these embodiments in any way, but rather as merelydescribing the implementation of these various embodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device for detecting axial forces appliedto a container, the device comprising: a device housing extendingbetween a first housing end and a second housing end along alongitudinal axis, the device housing having an inner housing wall andan outer housing wall; a container section mounted to the housingproximate the first housing end, the container section having an openfirst section end, a closed second section end, and at least onesidewall extending between the first section end and the second sectionend, wherein the container section defines a cavity bounded by the firstsection end, the second section end and the at least one sidewall, andwherein the first end is spaced apart from the second end along thelongitudinal axis; a force measurement sensor positioned within thedevice housing, wherein the force measurement sensor is configured togenerate force measurement data; and a processing section positionedwithin the housing, the processing section comprising: a processorconfigured to receive the force measurement data from the sensor; and abattery configured to supply electrical power to the processor; whereinthe force measurement sensor is positioned to generate the forcemeasurement data in response to an axial force applied at the firstsection end.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the force measurementsensor is positioned proximate the second section end.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein: the container section is movable towards the secondhousing end along the longitudinal axis in response to force applied atthe first section end; and the force measurement sensor is positioned todeflect in response to motion of the second closed end towards thesecond housing end and to generate the force measurement data inresponse to the deflection.
 4. The device of claim 3, further comprisinga mounting unit fixedly secured to the housing between the inner housingwall and the container section, wherein the mounting unit is configuredto receive the container section and to constrain the longitudinalmotion of the container section.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein themounting unit comprises a bearing sleeve.
 6. The device of claim 4,wherein the mounting unit comprises a sealing member configured toengage the container section and to seal the container section to themounting unit.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the sealing member isconfigured to impede ingress of fluid into the housing.
 8. The device ofclaim 4, wherein the mounting unit, container section and housing areconcentric.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the force measurementsensor is positioned between the container section and the processingsection.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the force measurement sensoris spaced apart from the processing section.
 11. The device of claim 10further comprising a support member extending between the forcemeasurement sensor and the processing section, wherein the supportmember supports the force measurement sensor adjacent to the secondsection end.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein the processor isprovided by a printed circuit board, and the battery is positionedbetween the printed circuit board and the force measurement sensor. 13.The device of claim 12, wherein the device housing comprises at leastone aperture at the second housing end, the at least one aperturedefining a channel from the second housing end to the printed circuitboard.
 14. The device of claim 3, wherein the force measurement sensorcomprises a load cell.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein: the loadcell comprises a button extending from the load cell toward the secondsection end; and the button is positioned to deflect in response tomovement of the second section end towards the second housing end. 16.The device of claim 1, wherein the first section end is configured toreceive a closure member configured to seal the cavity.
 17. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the second housing end comprises an extendablesection configured to extend and retract along the longitudinal axis toadjust a longitudinal length of the extendable section.
 18. The deviceof claim 17, wherein the extendable section comprises: a fixed portion;and a rotatable portion rotatably mounted to the fixed portion, wherein:when the rotatable portion is rotated in a first direction, theextendable section extends along the longitudinal axis increasing thelongitudinal length of the extendable section, and; when the rotatableportion is rotated in a second direction, the extendable sectionretracts along the longitudinal axis, decreasing the longitudinal lengthof the extendable section.
 19. The device of claim 1, wherein the forcemeasurement sensor comprises a strain gauge.
 20. The device of claim 19,wherein: the strain gauge comprises a strain element positioned todeform in response to motion of the second closed end towards the secondhousing end; and the strain gauge is configured to generate the forcemeasurement data in response to the deformation of the strain element.21. The device of claim 19, wherein: the container section is configuredto deform in response to the axial force applied to the containersection; and the strain gauge is configured to generate the forcemeasurement data in response to the deformation of the containersection.
 22. A method for measuring axial sealing forces using thedevice of claim 1, the method comprising: applying a closure member tothe first section end to seal the cavity; generating force measurementdata in response the application of the closure member; and determiningan axial force of the application of the closure member using the forcemeasurement data.
 23. A device for detecting axial forces applied to acontainer, the device comprising: a device housing extending between afirst housing end and a second housing end along a longitudinal axis,the device housing having at least one sidewall extending between thefirst housing end and the second housing end; a container sectionmounted to the housing proximate the first housing end, the containersection having an open first section end, a closed second section end,and at least one sidewall extending between the first section end andthe second section end, wherein the container section defines a cavitybounded by the first section end, the second section end; and a forcemeasurement sensor positioned within the device housing, the forcemeasurement sensor configured to generate force measurement data,wherein the force measurement sensor is positioned to generate the forcemeasurement data in response to an axial force applied at the firstsection end.
 24. A device for detecting axial forces applied to acontainer, the device comprising: a device housing extending between afirst housing end and a second housing end along a longitudinal axis,the device housing having an inner housing wall and an outer housingwall; a container section mounted to the housing proximate the firsthousing end and extending into the device housing, the container sectionhaving an open first section end, a closed second section end, and atleast one sidewall extending between the first section end and thesecond section end, wherein the container section defines a cavitybounded by the first section end, the second section end and the atleast one sidewall, and wherein the first end is spaced apart from thesecond end along the longitudinal axis; a force measurement sensorpositioned within the device housing, wherein the force measurementsensor is configured to generate force measurement data; and aprocessing section positioned within the housing, the processing sectioncomprising: a processor configured to receive the force measurement datafrom the sensor; and a battery configured to supply electrical power tothe processor; wherein the force measurement sensor is positioned togenerate the force measurement data in response to an axial forceapplied at the first section end.